Reverse Sweep: The return of legendary John Ward

[Dr_Situ(ZimFanatic)]

Happy Birthday Zimbabwe

We should all be ashamed, takes a guy from India to remind us its our birthday

A guy from India????? That sound like a big slap on my face. I am a Zimbabwe fanatic (who by chance happens to be from India) and wishes fellow brothers the 31st birthday. As simple as that. Don't make it complicated

[Boundary]

I have a question for John Ward.

South Africa, just next door, regularly produces really quick bowlers but we don't. Why do you think that's so?

[ZIMFAN]

I too remember ZCO online and indeed the great Dr Situ who used to ask salient questions weekly. I also submitted questions and communicated with John via email. He is a great man and I also think the preeminant Zimbabwe cricket journalist (with respect to liamb!). It is wonderful that he is "with us" here. He always answered questions with honesty and took time to write. It was very kind...

Anyway, my question for John is a split one (sneaky) - Who does he think should be in the starting XI for our next Test and who does he the think will be in the starting XI?

[bayhaus]

I am soooo looking forward to hearing some of John's ward. I didnt know him prior to this post but after reading some of his comments he seems like a level head.

[Conant]

Happy Birthday Zimbabwe

We should all be ashamed, takes a guy from India to remind us its our birthday

A guy from India????? That sound like a big slap on my face. I am a Zimbabwe fanatic (who by chance happens to be from India) and wishes fellow brothers the 31st birthday. As simple as that. Don't make it complicated

No offense meant, Dr. It probably came out wrong. Mostly it was addressed to all Zimbabweans (including me) who seemed oblivious (or uncaring) of the day's main event

[sloandog]

is john ward on the forum ?

[Dr_Situ(ZimFanatic)]

I've been bombarding him with Gus Mackay related questions / stories / theories /artwork since the address was made public.


Think im up to email #24 now

Thank God, he hasn't received any of your 24's

[Dr_Situ(ZimFanatic)]

Q2. I have a question for John Ward. South Africa, just next door, regularly produces really quick bowlers but we don't. Why do you think that's so?

John Ward:
I can't give much of an answer here, I'm afraid, except that our slow pitches certainly don't help.

[Dr_Situ(ZimFanatic)]

I too remember ZCO online and indeed the great Dr Situ who used to ask salient questions weekly. I also submitted questions and communicated with John via email. He is a great man and I also think the preeminant Zimbabwe cricket journalist (with respect to liamb!). It is wonderful that he is "with us" here. He always answered questions with honesty and took time to write. It was very kind...

Q.3 Anyway, my question for John is a split one (sneaky) - Who does he think should be in the starting XI for our next Test?

John Ward:
If the Test were being played right now, I think I would go for -

Taylor,
Ervine (could he open?),
Masakadza,
Sibanda,
Taibu,
Chigumbura,
Cremer,
Meth,
Price,
Rainsford,
Mpofu.

Assuming all are fit.
Ervine to open is rather a desperation move, unless Masakadza is willing, despite his bad run in internationals this year.
Mawoyo is perhaps the best of the other Zimbabwe-qualified openers in the country at present; did well against New Zealand A but disappointing in Logan Cup.
Chigumbura on current form is not worth a place, but at this stage changing the captain is scarcely advisable and he is a potential matchwinner.
Utseya is not a wicket-taker in the longer game, and to pick him would be a defensive move.
I would hope for a pitch with a bit of pace and life to help our three seamers.
Others pushing hard but for the most part insufficiently tested at international level are Williams, Waller, Maruma and Chatara.
Since there are matches against Australia A and South Africa A planned for July, before Bangladesh come in August, the starting line-up could be rather different, depending on form shown then.

[CrimsonAvenger]

I see the newest member of the forum is a certain jward